is helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is helpful" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the beneficial effects of something. For example: "The teacher's advice is helpful in helping me understand the math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Neither obsession is helpful.

The Economist

Neither term is helpful.

The Guardian

Neither response is helpful.

Harvard Business Review

Hope this is helpful, Mark!

The New York Times

WELL that is helpful timing.

The Economist

But some perspective is helpful.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"People are being helpful.

The New Yorker

"It was helpful".

The New York Times

Maybe that's helpful".

The New York Times

"Will it be helpful?

The New York Times

Gossip can be helpful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is helpful" to clearly and directly state the beneficial aspect of something, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid pairing "is helpful" with weak verbs like "seem" or "appear". Instead, use stronger verbs to enhance clarity and impact, such as "is demonstrably helpful" or "is consistently helpful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is helpful" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the quality or state of a subject as being useful or beneficial. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, confirming its role in attributing helpfulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is helpful" is a versatile phrase used to denote utility or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academic domains. Alternatives like "proves beneficial" or "provides assistance" can add nuance depending on the desired level of formality. When using "is helpful", ensure it is paired with strong verbs and clear subjects to maximize its impact. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communications, reinforcing its value in expressing positive contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proves beneficial

Replaces "is helpful" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the advantageous nature.

is advantageous

Highlights the favorable nature of something.

provides assistance

Focuses on the act of giving help rather than the quality of being helpful.

is of assistance

A more formal and polite way of saying something is helpful.

serves a purpose

Highlights the functionality and reason for being.

offers value

Emphasizes the worth or importance of something.

is conducive to

Indicates that something creates favorable conditions.

aids in

A more concise way of saying something contributes to a positive outcome.

contributes positively

Focuses on the positive contribution or impact.

makes a contribution

Emphasizes the action of contributing to a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "is helpful" in a sentence?

You can use "is helpful" to describe the benefits of something. For example, "This advice is helpful", or "The tool is helpful for solving this problem".

What are some alternatives to "is helpful"?

Some alternatives include "is beneficial", "is advantageous", or "provides assistance", depending on the specific context.

Is "is helpful" formal or informal?

"Is helpful" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, you might choose a more sophisticated synonym like "proves beneficial".

How does "is helpful" differ from "was helpful"?

"Is helpful" describes something that is currently useful, while "was helpful" describes something that was useful in the past. The choice depends on whether the benefit still exists.